China versus the West? Wang Yi tells UN no country is ‘human rights teacher’
Chinese diplomat Wang Yi argues at the UN that no country can act as a 'teacher of human rights' and emphasizes the importance of non-interference and respect for international laws.
At a recent United Nations address, Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, strongly asserted that no country has the authority to act as a self-proclaimed 'teacher of human rights.' He emphasized that human rights should not be used to embellish democratic ideals or justify hegemonic behaviors by powerful nations. Wang's remarks come amid increasing tensions between China and Western nations concerning their respective human rights records and approaches to governance.
Wang Yi articulated that the principles of the UN Charter and international law are crucial in safeguarding human rights. He called for a re-examination of how human rights issues are approached globally, advocating for a multipolar world where various models of governance can coexist. His comments reflect China's desire to position itself as a leader of the Global South, encouraging solidarity among developing nations against what they perceive as Western hegemony in moral and political discourse.
Additionally, Wang stressed the importance of the non-interference principle in international relations, warning against the application of double standards by any country in the context of human rights. This statement is particularly significant as it aligns with China's broader foreign policy strategy, which seeks to protect its sovereignty while criticizing Western nations for what it calls interference in other countries' affairs under the guise of human rights advocacy.